Sibert To Weigh His Options

Ari Wasserman

04/05/2012

Jordan Sibert envisioned he'd have a major role coming off the bench for the Ohio State basketball team this season. As it turned out he had a minimal role. Though he hasn't made a decision about his future, he told BSB he will look into his options this offseason.

Jordan Sibert had a vision before the season – he'd have an integral role coming off the bench for an Ohio State team that would make its first trip to the Final Four since 2007. Sibert turned out to only be half-right.

Though the Buckeyes' season culminated in a Final Four berth, Sibert didn't come off the bench consistently to help the team get there.

"It was a great year as far as the team and as far as everything we accomplished," Sibert told BuckeyeSports.com. "Personally, it was rough, not being out there as much as I want to and feeling disappointed in myself and feeling kind of bad. In the end, though, it is a team thing. It isn't' individual."

In the weeks leading into the season, Sibert was part of the plan to help the Buckeyes overcome the loss of three-point sharpshooter Jon Diebler. Sibert said he envisioned he'd be a player that could come off the bench and knock down critical shots for his team in times of need.

Sibert, however, was inconsistent shooting in the early portions of the season and saw his playing time dwindle. Sibert averaged 8.4 minutes a game during the Big Ten season, but he only appeared in 24 of Ohio State's 39 games over the course of the entire year.

Unhappy with his situation this past year, Sibert said he always maintained a mindset that concentrated solely on getting better. With his name floating around as a player that may look into a transfer, Sibert acknowledged he'd look into his options.

"Yeah, definitely," Sibert responded when asked if he'd see what his transfer options would be. "Everything is into consideration. You gather yourself, you weigh out all of your options, and you go from there."

With William Buford departing and Deshaun Thomas still weighing his options about the future, there should be ample opportunity for players like Sibert to play into expanded roles next season.

Sibert, of course, understands that he'll have to grow in the areas of concern if he's going to earn a major role with the Buckeyes. Three-point shooting was supposed to be his niche on this year's team, but Sibert shot 26 percent from behind the arc in Big Ten play.

"I definitely need to focus being more consistent shooting on in games and in practices," Sibert said. "Defensively, I need to be more active on the ball. I think I am definitely making improvements – people didn't get to see it on the court, but in practice and my teammates and even coaches can agree that I've been making strides."